Hi Everyone,
The artificial roost at Dux Creek on Bribie Island is almost finished. At
the end of this message you will find directions for finding it, in case you
are loose on the Sunshine Coast over the Easter break.
To recap, the old Dux Ck roost was to be destroyed in the construction of a
canal development called Pacific Harbour, and the Qld Wader Study Group
formed a partnership with the developer to build an artificial substitute
roost within the development.
Whilst finishing work is still underway, I have been assured by the site
manager that the public will have access to the area over Easter. It will
have an unfinished look about it, but use your imagination.
About a week ago the earthmoving was completed, and I am happy to say that
shorebirds are already accepting the roost, even before their old roost is
entirely destroyed. We have had up to 30 Pied Oystercatchers, 20 Eastern
Curlew, 20 Whimbrel, 40 Pacific Golden Plovers, 20 Pied Stilts, and hundreds
of other waders which haven't yet been identified by a skilled observer. I
will see it on Thursday, but thought that posting then might be a bit late
for people making Easter plans.
There are two bird hides and an interpretive centre. The beach roost will be
enclosed on either side by a post and wire fence running from the water to
the tidal lagoon, and planted on either side with mangroves, and salt
tolerant veg above the mangrove line. A tidal lagoon provides a barrier
between roosting birds and the public. I think we have covered all
eventualities, but that might not be apparent at this early stage. Signs
will discourage people from entering the roost.
DIRECTIONS: See UBD Map 52
>From the Bruce Highway take the Bribie Is exit and cross the bridge to the
island. At the second roundabout take the left turn into Sunderland Drive,
and follow that a long way, through one roundabout, across a canal bridge,
finally ending at a Tjunction with Solander Esplanade and the Pumicestone
Passage in front of you. (You have travelled in a big arc.) Turn left into
Solander Esp, and park and the end when you hit the entrance to the new
development. There is a big sign with an artist's impression of the roost.
>From here you should be able to walk through and the main hide will be one
of the first things you see. If you are there on a high tide and birds are
present on the roost, you might prefer to walk along the path to the second
hide, which is closer to where the birds have taken to roosting. I'm sorry I
couldn't arrange for the birds to roost by the car park, but them's the
breaks.
Cheers,
Jill
--
Jill Dening
Sunshine Coast, Qld
26º 51' 152º 56'
Ph (07) 5494 0994
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